Favorite Shelter On The AT

[rafe]

I thru-hiked last year and had to look that one up. What is special about it?

Very modern structure, two floors, tons of room (probably sleeps 20+ easily) and a big covered deck. Nice flowing stream right in front. The view is nothing special though.

[Kerosene]

Very modern structure, two floors, tons of room (probably sleeps 20+ easily) and a big covered deck. Nice flowing stream right in front. The view is nothing special though.

The shelter sits in a shallow valley between two ridges, so there isn't a view other than the woods. Still, it's a pretty cool structure.

[jeffmeh]

If you want the locations of all the shelters try the AT Overlay for Google Earth.

[bflorac]

Only commenting on the southern half of the trial I have done so far..

Best view: Overmountian
Most appreciated: Fontana Hilton
Best Pizza (when you really need one): Partnership
Unique construction: Bryant Ridge

[illabelle]

Nicest we've seen in 825 AT miles: Quarry Gap Shelter in PA. Nice little fence and gate, daffodils blooming in the "yard", baskets of pansies hanging from the eaves. Very well taken care of!

[Coffee]

Nicest we've seen in 825 AT miles: Quarry Gap Shelter in PA. Nice little fence and gate, daffodils blooming in the "yard", baskets of pansies hanging from the eaves. Very well taken care of!

Someone clearly takes a lot of pride in that shelter and there is a nice water source in front of it. Had a nice afternoon break there last month.

[rafe]

Someone clearly takes a lot of pride in that shelter and there is a nice water source in front of it. Had a nice afternoon break there last month.

[Re: Quarry Gap shelter]

Yes, the pride is apparent. Though the flower boxes are a bit much. But IMO it's a horribly inefficient design -- for the lumber involved, it should have a lot more usable room than it does. I found the setting claustrophobic and gloomy. I was there toward the end of a gray gloomy day though. Might be different in better weather, I dunno.

[Kingbee]

+1 on Quarry Gap. I met the Overseer and he really takes pride in the shelter. The bear box is another plus.

[vic_doom69]

Thomas knob shelter by far is my fav.

[stillatit]

Yeah, it's been asked before. Two stick out: Partnership in S VA when it was new b/c of the shower and that it hadn't been run down yet, and---the opposite---a really old dilapidated, even dry, one that's 1.5 mi. off the trail, in Harriman State Park in NY that leaks terribly in any long rain, West Mtn. Shelter, due to the superb views of (1) the Hudson River Valley and (2) on the horizon, Manhattan.

[Grampie]

I just have to put in a plug for Upper Goose Pond Cabin. It's not a traditional AT type shelter but a fully inclosed cabin. It offers indoor sleeping for 16 hikers on bunks with materesses. It's located on a very nice pond with swimming and a canoe. It comes with a caretaker who provides springwater and a pancake breakfast. All for the cost of a donation, if you choose.
If you are a thru-hiker and don't stop at least for a visit, you are missing one of the great AT experiences.

[1234]

Thomas knob shelter by far is my fav.

Thomas Knob Shelter at Grayson Highlands, always a good crowd, always wildlife, most always a storm! Plenty of tent sites on flat grass, nice privy and wow what a great place.